It is a silver that shines as bright as gold. For Nigerian representative at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, Chidimma Adetshina, the glittering night in Mexico would have been a mirage. But she demolished all obstacles on her path and shone like a million stars at the grand finale held inside the enthralling Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
In a nerve-jabbing, yet scintillating climax to the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico, last night, Chidimma, the stone rejected by South Africa but warmly embraced by Nigeria, came hair-bristling close to the coveted crown. She emerged the First Runner-up, the first Nigerian to get that far in the global competition. It is a historic feat that tastes as good as gold.
Eventually, it was Demark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig that was crowned the winner of the 73rd Miss Universe pageant.
Chidimma’s journey to the Miss Universe competition was slippery, filled with thorns placed on her path by South Africa, the country of her birth. She had contested in South Africa but was forced to step down, last July, sequel to serious and dangerous xenophobic sentiments by South Africans who put a big question mark on her nationality.
Even the South African Government opened an investigation to scrutinize a claim that her mother may have stolen the identity of a South African woman.
But she never gave up. She returned to Nigeria, her country of origin, competed and won the Miss Universe Nigeria crown.
- Chidimma, 23, born to a Nigerian father in South Africa, said she had to withdraw from the country’s competition “for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I”.
Happily, organisers of the Nigerian contest invited Chidimma to join their final, saying it was a chance for her to “represent your father’s native land on an international stage”.
Though her entry into the Nigerian contest stirred a mild protest from co-contestants who felt angry that things may have been skewed in her favour.
However, she put up an impressive performance and won, even to the admiration of those who once criticised her entry into the Nigeria. competition.
The xenophobic sentiments against her participation notwithstanding, Chidimma was full of appreciation to South Africa, saying she was grateful for the support from the country.
Ahead of the Miss Universe finals, Chidimma took to her Instagram page, and penned an emotional post, thanking Nigerians profusely for welcoming her with lots of love after her South African ordeal.
“Many wonder why I didn’t stop,” she wrote. “Why not let it be for now? Your life might be at risk.” Some questioned, “Why isn’t she giving up? Does she crave the clout?” I sat back, overwhelmed with so many unanswered questions as life moved faster than I could process. But do you know what? My dreams have kept me afloat.
“To my dearest Nigerians, with open arms, you carried me on wheels made of the purest love and intentions. I still cannot fully comprehend the reasons, but what matters most is that you’ve given me a second chance at life. For a moment, my life flashed before my eyes, but in the next breath, Nigeria refueled my purpose and my reason to live.
“As I step onto the Miss Universe stage tonight, I carry with me over 2 million beads of love, strength, and an unstoppable spirit. In this very moment, history is being made through my story. I call upon all my ancestors to guide my path with ease and grace. I promise to give my very best while you continue to pray for me.
“A heartfelt thank you to Silverbird Group and the Miss Universe Nigeria Organization for safeguarding my life and adding more fuel to my journey through the universe.
“I am ready to emerge. Let history be made, while we have fun.”